How to select an online class that is right for you

 I was talking to a  fellow blogger a few days back regarding her Europe travels. She remarked that she had only travelled to all those places as she was already stationed abroad and that it requires dedication to travel to another country (and continent) just to learn a skill and better yourself. She, ofcourse was referring to my latest USA travel to attend Beadfest Workshops. Some people might consider me lucky, but only I know the hurdles that I had to cross and planning and work that I had to do (and still doing) to make the trip happen.

Many have also written to me asking if I could teach them enamelling or Precious metal clay that I learnt there. As a full time design educator, I am not someone who takes teaching lightly. Without really practicing what I had learnt  and experimenting with different techniques I cannot teach them.

Online classes

That is where Online classes come in. You can take any class we want, from world class instructors in the comfort of your own home. You can watch the demo over and over again or go back to it and watch a particular step if you ever get a doubt which is not possible in a live class which far outweighs the other benefits. Craftsy is one good option for Online jewellery making classes, particularly metal smithing.

I do agree that not everything can be learnt online, in a asynchronous platform. As jewelry being a touchy feely subject you might think that learning online might not work out for you. This issue can be simply solved by picking classes and techniques that can easily be learnt online. Here is a handy guide aka cheat sheet to help you figure how to pick a online class out.

How to select an online class to learn jewellery making

1. Material Availability – Pick a class where the materials are easily available to you locally. You could also use materials that are already in stock as you need to be able to practise the skill that you just learned. For E.g – Take a Creative wire jewelry class if you already have base metal or artistic wire and required tools with you.
2. Technique Up gradation – A new or advanced technique class where you have experience with the material. For e.g A Metal Form folding class will help advance your sheet metal skills, A Resin casing and sculpting class will help you further  polish your resin jewelry making skills.
3. Learning tips and tricks – To get guidance from a master – to learn tips and tricks of the trade. If you are self taught in soldering, then taking a course like Soldering Success in Every Scenario will equip you with tips and tricks that you would take years to learn by yourself.
4. International Expertise – Pick a class which is not taught locally in your state or country. It is much easier (and cheaper) to import materials and try out a technique learnt online than flying to another country to  learn it. Particularly, if you are not going to practice it professionally after learning it. It is almost impossible to find a tutor to teach Torch fired Enamelling in India but it can be easily learnt online. 
    

Pin or print out the above cheat sheet on how to pick a online class. Use it as a guide whenever you are faced with a dilemma. Remember to never let your age, health or financial issues come in the way of your learning to be the best that you can be. Whether you are looking to add a new skill to your repertoire or pursue a new hobby, I hope that online classes give you the best that you are looking for.

I hope you found it interesting.